Why Trump's Venezuela raid may not stop China's influence in South America

The Senate has backed a resolution that allows President Donald Trump to continue military actions in Venezuela without prior congressional notification, following a tie-breaking vote by Senator J.D. Vance. This resolution defeats efforts to limit the president's war powers regarding Venezuela, where tensions have escalated significantly.

A global survey conducted by the European Council on Foreign Relations indicates that Donald Trump's America-first policy is perceived as enhancing China's global standing rather than strengthening the United States. The survey reveals that traditional adversaries of the U.S. feel less threatened, while allies, particularly in Europe, express growing distance from the U.S. leadership.

U.S. President Donald Trump recently described a positive conversation with Venezuela's interim president, Delcy Rodriguez, signaling a potential shift in U.S. policy towards the post-Maduro leadership. This dialogue comes amid ongoing tensions and U.S. sanctions against the Maduro regime, as Trump emphasizes the importance of political concessions and access to Venezuela's oil resources.

Talks between U.S., Danish, and Greenlandic officials have failed to resolve a significant disagreement regarding the future governance of Greenland, with President Donald Trump asserting the island's importance for U.S. national security. Trump emphasized that Denmark cannot be relied upon to protect Greenland, suggesting a need for U.S. control over the territory.

Denmark has acknowledged a 'fundamental disagreement' with former President Donald Trump regarding Greenland, despite engaging in high-level discussions with U.S. officials, including Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. This ongoing tension highlights the complexities surrounding U.S. interests in the territory.

President Trump is actively dismantling the global order established by the U.S. in the 20th century, advocating for an 'America First' policy that reflects a desire for a world reminiscent of the 19th century. This shift is characterized by a retreat from multilateralism and increased unilateral actions in foreign policy.

The United States and the United Kingdom are withdrawing some personnel from a military base in Qatar as a precautionary measure amid rising tensions with Iran. This decision coincides with President Donald Trump's consideration of potential military action against Iran following a violent crackdown on protests in the country.

Donald Trump signed a bill on January 14, 2026, allowing whole and 2% milk to be served in US school cafeterias, effectively overturning the Obama-era restrictions on higher-fat milk options. This legislation, known as the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act, also opens the door for non-dairy drinks like fortified soy milk to be included in school menus in the near future.